Ward closed at NHS Forth Valley following Covid outbreak

A ward has been shut at a Scottish hospital following a coronavirus outbreak.

Forth Valley Hospital, in Larbert, is not not accepting new admissions after a “small number” of Covid-19 cases were reported.

Staff, patients and their families have been contacted by the facility’s Test and protect team and informed of the news.

The specialists are now following up with all known contacts to prevent the outbreak spreading further.

Staff, patients and relatives have been contacted by the hospital's Test and Protect team. (Stirling Observer)

A health board spokesperson told the Record on Saturday: “NHS Forth Valley confirm that a ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been temporarily closed to new admissions and visiting has been paused as a precautionary measure whilst investigations are undertaken into a small number of cases of Covid-19 identified through test and protect.

“To respect and maintain confidentiality, no further details will be released.

"Staff, patients and their families have been informed of the development and close contacts are being followed up by our Test and Protect Team."

And they added: "NHS Forth Valley is taking every measure to protect staff and patients and in line with national guidance, have notified Health Protection Scotland."